Eight of Wands

The Eight of Wands is a strange and powerful card, because on many of the
decks where the Minor Arcana show picture scenes, there is still nothing on
this particular card but the Eight Wands. There are no human figures on the
card, and in this aspect only the Aces and the Wheel of Fortune stands with
it. (And perhaps the Three of Swords, though this card often shows a heart.)
It should come as little surprise that the energy of the Eight of Wands is a
swift and rapid one, not that different from the Ace of Wands or even the
powerful Wheel of Fortune.

Generally this card refers to swift and decisive action, in the form of a
sudden release of energy. This burst of power clears away confusion and
negativity, opening up lines of communicaton and starting events in motion.
It's like the wind of a hurricane, that throws everything out of its path.
Obstacles will be swept our of your path and you will be free to advance as
fast as you like. Beware, though, of becoming too hasty and impetuous, for
that is the warning of the Eight of Wands. Action can be quick and still
well-thought, but it cannot be hasty if it is to have an effect on the world.

So take things in stride, but hold nothing back. If there have been major
obstacles in your way, you now have the power to get rid of them - either by
the new energy within you or by the communication skills that this card gives
you. So go looking for stubborn problems and see just how many you can solve
now. On some cards, the descending staves may bring to mind Cupid's arrows,
which bring about love in whoever they strike. The Eight of Wands can
therefore signal the swift beginning of a romance, where someone is swept off
their feet by a charming new friend. The cautions against hastiness apply
here as well; go at a pace both of you are comfortable with.

This card also reminds many of Moses' staff, which was a conduit for divine
power. The Eight of Wands therefore rules over quick transformations and
changes, particularly of the spiritual sort. These eight wands can serve as
lightning rods to tap the power you need and attract it to you. When struck
by the spiritual lightning found in such cards as the High Priestess and the
Star, the Eight of Wands can be the starting point of a major spiritual and
ideological transformation. All the pieces of your life will seemingly fall
into place and you will see the big picture for the first time.

This page was made by James Rioux (The Black Shadow), bshadow@nbnet.nb.ca.
Copyright 2000 James Rioux.